What is Emotional Intelligence?

EQ is extremely important. Dare we say that it is more important than IQ?  When we have a high EQ we have the ability to slow down, step back and assess what's happening when we feel a WAVE OF YUCK passing through. We self-regulate. We RESPOND versus REACT in a tough moment and, overall, practice emotional awareness, and then emotional self-care...which enables us to practice social awareness.

Some EQ facts:

• Research has shown that emotional intelligence or EQ “predicts over 54% of the variation in success (relationships, effectiveness, health, quality of life). Resource and read more here.
  
• Additional data concludes that “young people with high EQ earn higher grades, stay in school, and make healthier choices.” Resource and read more here.
• In one huge longitudinal British study published in 2011, babies were followed through childhood and into adulthood for fifty years. Their success and happiness in life was strongly correlated to their emotional intelligence. Other studies link emotional health to better mental and physical health, more academic and employment success and happier marriages. Resource and read more here.

Some EQ Facts for adults...

• 90% of the top performers have high EQ.
• People with high EQ's make 29,000 more annually than their low EQ counterparts
• EQ is responsible for 58% of your job performance (and yes, that includes when your job is a stay-at-home parent)! Resource for these three stats

Articles and Blogs:

What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)? By Michael Akers & Grover Porter

Why We Need to Teach Kids Emotional Intelligence By Lisa Firestone Ph.D.

5 Steps To Nurture Emotional Intelligence in Your Child By Aha Parenting

How to Raise an Emotionally Intelligent Child By Aha Parenting